Think Globally, Eat Locally

Helios Farm is growing and multiplying

Happy 2012! We hope the new year is treating you well so far. Our winter has been pleasant and filled with outdoor activities, catching up with friends, travel, working on other projects and of course, reading up on vegetable growing and planning for our next growing season.

Wakefield in the winter

After our successful first season, Brad and Leela decided to look for a larger piece of farmland where they could scale up their vegetable production. After much research and deliberation, they have decided to move to Chelsea, where they will rent 5 acres of land to start a new farm business. Their new farm, Chelsea Gardens, will be part of a mixed-use residential community called the Hendrick Farm that will include housing, parks and trails, commercial and retail, and a working organic farm. Brad and Leela are currently selling Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) vegetable shares for 2012, for pick up in Chelsea or Ottawa, and are also looking for farm interns. Visit their new website at www.jardinschelseagardens.ca for more information.

Meanwhile, Kelly and Jer decided to keep the existing garden at Kelly’s cottage between Wakefield and Masham. They will continue to operate Helios Farm, which will sell CSA shares mainly for pickup at the farm on Chilcott Road. Contact Kelly for more information.

You’ll be able to find both farms at the Little Italy Farmers’ Market on Preston Street in Ottawa starting in June. Chelsea Gardens will also be at the Old Chelsea Farmers’ Market.

We’re a bit sad not to be working together as closely as we did in 2011, but we recognize that we have different goals and needs for our farm operations. We’re still good friends and look forward to collaborating as we grow our respective farms and businesses.

For now, all of us are getting ready for the growing season by selecting vegetable varieties, ordering seeds, planning our crops, getting greenhouses ready, and dreaming of spring! We hope to see you in 2012 and look forward to sharing some more great produce with you.